Police expect smooth traffic in Woodstock for Helm memorial

No road closings planned

Apr. 26, 2012

Levon Helm. / Courtesy photo

Written by

John W. Barry

Poughkeepsie Journal

On the Web

Visit www.poughkeepsiejournal.com throughout the day today for coverage from Woodstock. You can also follow us on Twitter using #LevonHelm. For videos, audio and to read the full text of the statement on Levon Helm read by U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-Hurley, on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, visit www.poughkeepisejournal.com/levonhelm.

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WOODSTOCK — A memorial for Levon Helm scheduled for today is not expected to cause any traffic tie-ups or logistical issues, officials said.

Town of Woodstock Police Chief Clayton Keefe said his department, the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office and state police would provide coverage. No road closures are planned.

“I don’t expect any type of problems,” Keefe said.

A memorial for Helm, who died one week ago today, is scheduled for the home-recording studio where the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member lived and played music for more than four decades. The memorial will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Parking will not be permitted at Levon Helm Studios. Cars can be parked in Woodstock at the Woodstock Playhouse, 103 Mill Hill Road; Cucina Woodstock restaurant, 109 Mill Hill Road; and Andy Lee Field on Rock City Road. Buses will shuttle those wishing to pay their respects from Andy Lee Field and the Woodstock Playhouse.

Ulster County office buildings and facilities will fly their flags at half-staff today in honor of Helm. The flag lowering is scheduled to run concurrent with the public wake.

“Levon Helm’s contribution to community, county and our nation was inspiring," Ulster County Executive Mike Hein said in a statement. "Not only was Levon Helm an incredible musician with world-wide recognition, but his contributions to his local community will have a lasting impact."

Woodstock Town Councilman Bill McKenna said he believes Helm’s fans can be counted on to keep the day running smoothly.

Fans of the Grammy winner have been traveling into and out of Woodstock on Saturday night for years, to attend his Midnight Ramble house concerts, without incident, McKenna said.

“I would say that Levon has many grateful fans and they were very responsible,” McKenna said. “He had them into his home all the time and there was never a problem. I imagine (today) will be the same.”

McKenna said Helm’s fans can play a big role in shaping how the day unfolds.

“The smoother it runs,” he said, “the greater the likelihood that everyone will have an opportunity to pay their last respects.”

Helm was born May 26, 1940, in Arkansas and went on to perform with Bob Dylan. As a member of The Band, Helm played Madison Square Garden and Wembley Stadium in London. As a solo performer, he won his third consecutive Grammy in February.

“Levon was a friend to all of Woodstock,” McKenna said. “He loved this community. It was his adopted home. ... He treated everyone with great respect.”

“Without a doubt,” read part of Hinchey’s statement, “Levon’s contributions to American music cannot be overstated. But beyond the music, we cannot forget Levon the man. I knew him well. He was a beacon of our Hudson Valley community.”